FujiFilm Finepix Z90 vs Samsung ST80: The Ultimate Ultracompact Camera Showdown

When it comes to ultracompact cameras, you want a device that balances portability with capable imaging performance and intuitive handling. The FujiFilm Finepix Z90 and Samsung ST80 both debuted around 2010-2011 targeting casual photographers who crave convenience over interchangeable lenses. But which one truly delivers more value and creative flexibility? As someone who has rigorously tested thousands of cameras across genres over the last 15 years, I’m here to dissect these two pocketable contenders from every angle - technical, ergonomic, and practical - helping you determine which best fits your photographic aspirations.

Let’s jump in and see how these two stack up.

Size, Weight and Ergonomics: Carry with Confidence

When you’re choosing an ultracompact camera, physical size and ergonomics are paramount. A camera that fits naturally in your hand - and your pocket - translates to more spontaneous, joyful shooting moments.

What You’ll Appreciate

• FujiFilm Finepix Z90 feels slightly chunkier, adding minor heft that some users find reassuring for stability during handheld shots.
• Samsung ST80 trims a few grams and millimeters, edging closer to a genuinely pocket-friendly profile.
• Both cameras forego traditional control dials in favor of touchscreen interfaces with limited physical buttons. This means quicker access to main settings, but potentially less tactile feedback - a common trade-off in ultracompacts.

If you prioritize bare-minimum pocketability, the ST80 narrowly wins. But if slight added bulk means more confidence when shooting, Z90 might be preferable. This hands-on insight proves indispensable since specs alone don’t always convey ergonomics experience.

Design and Control Layout: Navigating Your Creative Workflow

How you interact with a camera heavily influences shooting fluidity. Let’s assess control design and usability.

Key Takeaways

• Both feature fixed lenses that rely on digital zoom scaling capped at 5x for Z90 and 3x for ST80.
• The tactile button layout is sparse on both, placing much reliance on the 3” fixed TFT touchscreen for live view and menu operations.
• Neither camera offers a viewfinder, which may dismay traditionalists but aligns with their casual photographic intent.
• Samsung ST80 stands out slightly with manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual mode), giving you more creative latitude absent on the FujiFilm Z90.
• The Z90 lacks exposure compensation and semi-automatic modes, locking it into fully automatic shooting modes - ideal for absolute beginners but limiting for those wanting control.

If you want more hands-on exposure controls for creative experimentation, Samsung ST80 is the clear leader here.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photography

Understanding sensor size, resolution, and technology reveals a lot about potential image quality and creative control.

Hands-On Assessment

Although both sport similar-sized 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors at 14 megapixels, the Samsung ST80’s extended ISO range (up to 4800 native and 6400 boosted) theoretically translates to better low-light capability, albeit with the inherent noise trade-offs funneled through a small sensor.

The FujiFilm Finepix Z90 maxes out at ISO 3200 and lacks a boosted ISO mode, making it less flexible in gloomy environments.

Additionally, Fuji’s sensor, slightly larger on paper, doesn’t dramatically trump Samsung’s in resolution or noise performance in real-world shots. Both nonetheless are characteristic of ultracompact cameras, where sensor size limits achieving deep dynamic range or silky smooth high-ISO images.

Image Processing and Color Rendition: FujiFilm’s Known Aesthetics vs Samsung’s Vigor

Image processing engines shape final image color, sharpness, and tonal rendition.

• FujiFilm has a storied legacy in color science, producing natural skin tones and vibrant landscapes - qualities favored by portrait and nature shooters.
• Samsung’s ST80 images often lean toward cooler tones with punchier contrast which can be desirable for street and urban photography, adding dramatic flavor straight out of camera.

When it comes to practical outcomes:

• FujiFilm Z90 produces more lifelike skin tones and smooth color transitions.
• Samsung ST80 offers more saturated results but sometimes at a cost of slight color clipping in highlights.

This difference influences your style - portraitists may gravitate toward FujiFilm’s rendition, while more experimental shooters might prefer Samsung’s vivid output.

LCD Screen and User Interface Experience

Both cameras rely on a single LCD for framing and settings adjustment - but how well do their screens perform?

• Both have 3-inch fixed screens with 230k dot resolution, which is adequate but not stellar by modern standards.
• Both use touchscreen interfaces that streamline menu navigation, though the Z90’s screen lacks brightness versatility compared to the ST80.
• Samsung ST80 uniquely supports multiple aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9), giving more framing options directly in live view.
• The Z90 supports custom white balance adjustments while ST80 does not, indicating subtle usability differences targeted at different user types.

If you shoot outdoors, the Samsung ST80’s brighter display will be easier to see in sunlight. The FujiFilm’s touchscreen sometimes struggles with responsiveness, impacting quick adjustments in the field.

Autofocus System and Precision: Speed vs Flexibility

Autofocus performance impacts your ability to capture sharp images in dynamic environments.

Your real-world experience will differ:

• The fine autofocus engine in the Samsung ST80 is generally faster to lock focus in well-lit environments with ability to choose focus points via multitap.
• The Z90 offers continuous AF and tracking, helpful for subjects moving gently within the autofocus zone, albeit very limited by having only center AF area.
• Neither camera incorporates modern face or eye detection autofocus - common for their era but notable shortcomings given today’s AI-driven AF systems.
• Samsung’s shorter macro focusing distance (5 cm vs 9 cm) means you can get closer for more detailed macro shots, a practical advantage.

Lens and Zoom: Reach and Aperture

Lens specifications determine framing versatility and background blur.

The FujiFilm’s longer zoom range lends flexibility for landscapes, portraits, and casual wildlife framing, while Samsung’s wider starting focal length offers less reach but slightly faster wide-angle aperture (f/3.3 vs f/3.9), which assists in low-light wide shots.

Both cameras feature image stabilization, but the FujiFilm’s sensor-shift system tends to be more effective at reducing blur at longer focal lengths, enhancing sharpness in zoomed-in shots.

Flash and Low-Light Capabilities

Samsung ST80 boasts a stronger built-in flash effective up to 5 meters, useful for indoor and nighttime scenes, and a wider variety of flash modes including fill-in for balanced lighting. Its superior high ISO ability also gives you more options when shooting in dim lighting.

However, even with boosted ISO, image noise remains noticeable beyond ISO 800 on both cameras. So neither camera truly excels as a specialist in low-light or night photography.

Video Recording: Casual Clips Only

Both cameras offer basic 720p HD video capture, sufficient for casual clips and travel journaling. Neither supports advanced video features like external mic input, headphone monitoring, slow motion, or 4K recording.

The image stabilization systems help smooth handheld footage, with FujiFilm’s sensor-shift providing slightly steadier clips on paper; however, the difference is subtle.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Endurance for Your Adventures

Neither camera shines with exceptional battery endurance - they’re best suited for casual shooting occasions with some downtime for charging. The SD format on FujiFilm may be more universally compatible versus Samsung’s MicroSD cards, which are smaller but increasingly common.

Weather Resistance & Durability: Everyday Portability Over Ruggedness

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dustproofing, waterproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing. As ultracompacts designed primarily for urban, vacation, and casual use, they should be treated with care and protected from harsh conditions.

Sample Images and Real-World Shooting Impressions

FujiFilm Finepix Z90 front FujiFilm Finepix Z90 screen back Samsung ST80 front Samsung ST80 screen back

In hands-on shooting sessions:

• FujiFilm Finepix Z90 delivers pleasing images with smooth color transitions and adequate sharpness for prints up to 8x10 inches.
• The Samsung ST80 images show noticeable contrast punch but occasionally suffer from highlight clipping in bright scenes.
• Dynamic range on both is limited, but FujiFilm handles skies and shadows with slightly more finesse.
• Macro shots are crisper on the ST80 due to its closer focusing capability.
• Both struggle with noise beyond ISO 800 but do okay for social media sized outputs.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

Specialized Strengths Per Photography Genre

• Portrait & Skin Tones: FujiFilm Finepix Z90 shines with more natural skin color rendering.
• Landscape: Both are limited, but FujiFilm’s dynamic range and wider zoom make it marginally better.
• Wildlife: FujiFilm's longer zoom (140mm equiv.) edges out Samsung’s reach (105mm), but autofocus speed is not ideal for fast action.
• Sports: Neither suited for high frame rates or precise tracking; Samsung’s exposure modes offer minor advantage here.
• Street: Samsung’s smaller size and punchier JPEGs appeal for quick urban snaps.
• Macro: Samsung’s 5 cm close focus gives an edge for detail shots.
• Night / Astro: Neither camera excels due to sensor size and noise; Samsung’s higher ISO range slightly helps.
• Video: Equal basic HD capability; neither supports pro features.
• Travel: Both very portable; FujiFilm’s longer zoom suited for varied scenes.
• Professional Use: Neither designed to replace pro gear; limited RAW support (none), simple sensors, and modest features restrict long-term use.

Wrapping Up: Which Ultracompact Camera Is Right for You?

• Choose the FujiFilm Finepix Z90 if:

  • You want better natural color and skin tones for portraits.
  • You value longer zoom reach for travel and general photography.
  • You prioritize stabilization for handheld shooting.
  • You are a beginner looking for a simple, mostly automatic camera.

• Choose the Samsung ST80 if:

  • You want more manual control with exposure modes for creative flexibility.
  • You need a slightly smaller, lighter camera for street or casual shooting.
  • You want close-up macro shooting capability.
  • You appreciate a brighter LCD and more versatile flash options.
  • You desire higher ISO sensitivity settings for low-light experimentation.

Final Thoughts and Expert Tips

Both cameras represent good entry points into the ultracompact world but come with inherent limitations due to their fixed lenses, small sensors, and modest feature sets. These cameras suit casual photographers, travel lovers, students, or older users upgrading from smartphones.

• Try Before You Buy: Visit a store and handle both to gauge comfort.
• Accessorize Smartly: Carry a quality SD or MicroSD card, a spare battery, and a compact tripod for stability.
• Shoot RAW? Neither camera supports RAW, so be sure to do any creative edits with JPEGs in mind.
• Don’t Expect Low Light Miracles: Use flash or external lighting in dim conditions.
• Practice Composition: With simpler autofocus, relying on your eye for framing and timing is key.

This detailed comparison should empower you to make an informed purchase aligned with your creative needs and budget. Dive in, experiment with your style, and enjoy your photography journey!

If you want to explore more ultracompacts or mirrorless alternatives with deeper control and better image quality, we have extensive guides - feel free to reach out or check out our top camera picks for 2024.

Happy shooting!